In a world shaped by digital influence and post-Covid societal shifts, Mike Monaghan, Director of Auto Motivate, who spoke at last month’s ATF Professional Conference, delves into the power of individual thoughts. Through exploring generational dynamics and communication challenges, he highlights the transformative potential of embracing change for future-proofing businesses.
We average 64,000 thoughts per day! Is it any wonder we are always searching for some space, a mental slowdown or time to think?
Now add the digital and mobile phone factors, relentlessly influencing our every thought with words and images. It’s almost become blurred as to who is thinking freely anymore.
Post Covid, the world has become a very different place, whether we accept it or not. Now, add just a few of those infinite variables of generational thinking.
We now have baby boomers, millennials, generation Y and Z, and soon a new generation – Alpha. To believe that just because we are the same species, we should, therefore, think the same way would be a huge mistake.
So, what is your demographic timeline in your workplace? How close in age are your senior people to your youngest members? Are there significant gaps?
Often, the only advantages of age are wisdom and experience. Yet, even when the younger generation recognises and respects it, the way in which we communicate generationally is very different indeed.
One of the most common points I’m asked to help in my work is ‘communication’. There is always a perception that many of the friction points are due to a lack of communication. Or is it more likely we have lost a relatable element of generational compatibility and understanding?
We each listened and learnt from our parents and teachers, but at no time did we ever really feel like they understood our views and thoughts!
Our industry has some critical issues, including an ageing demographic. Therefore, demand and desire for a new workforce are essential. So, it’s vital to ensure how we communicate changes.
The industry of the past is, for the most part, lacking in diversity on many levels.
More time and effort must be given to change and create an environment and culture that shifts towards the new arena of psychological safety. This is a place where our conversations shift from instructional to listening, something we are not particularly good at. We are more geared to speaking than listening.
With age, wisdom, and experience, we tend to want to give the answers because we’ve heard it all before. This can create the impression of not listening, however valid the guidance may be.
This is far more challenging with different generations and more difficult than most imagine. It does not always fit with the demands of business in its current form, as time is precious. Yet, it is the business which must change, or it will no longer attract or retain the workforce it needs.
So, as the title suggests, what is the power of one thought?
Well, that’s up to you!
You can think, we’re okay that doesn’t apply to us, or you can think, wow, maybe it’s time to begin to think differently.
Remember, evolution isn’t really change; it’s adapting to change. Change is when you create something you weren’t forced to do!
My favourite line is: if the rate of change on the outside is greater than the rate of change on the inside, you’ve just lost the game!
The most critical aspect is to remain optimistic about the opportunities which exist every day and in every aspect of creating your future-proof business.
If you only see the challenge, you’ll miss the opportunity. They are two sides of the same coin.
You can contact Mike on 07496 543555 or visit www.auto-motivate.com
